Which Breed? Springer Spaniel?

.Alice. · Aug 19, 2006

Heya

Well I'm looking into getting a dog sometime soon, and I'm still a little unsure of the breed that is right for me. I want something medium sized, pretty intelligent, able to do either agility or obedience, or some sort of activity, if you know what I mean! I have a dog, a lab x Border Collie, and it is important they get on. The youngest child in the household is 8, bt he is well aware of what is good behaviour around animals and what isn't acceptable. We are a pretty active family, the dog would be walked for around 1 hour each day, perhaps more, aswell as training sessions. Erm... as it's my first time starting from a pup, fairly easy to train. Is this to much to ask for? We've been thinking along the lines of an English Springer Spaniel. I love Border Collies, but I don't think it's a good idea, what with it being my first puppy and all. Any help?

Thankyou!

xx speed · Aug 19, 2006

Irish Setter <33 They are gorgeous are the epitome of intelligence. They are high maintainence dogs though, and need lots on grooming and exercise. Otherwisee.. I dunno. I'd also say German Shorthaired Pointers, because that's just how I roll.

Cassiepeia · Aug 19, 2006

I agree that an Irish Setter (or german pointer) would be great (IS's are one of my favs).

But if you're set on an English Springer...that's a pretty good choice too. Certainly would suit you if you don't mind the grooming.

Cass.

colliewog · Aug 19, 2006

For no particular reason, I like the Welsh Springer Spaniel better than the English Springer. Both are lovely dogs and seem to be fairly easy to train.

Toller_08 · Aug 19, 2006

I also prefer the Welsh Springer over the English, but both are great breeds! I think either one would fit into your family very well

.

Brattina88 · Aug 19, 2006

Love the ESS!
Tessa has one in her household - she'd be able to give you some personal tips

.Alice. · Aug 20, 2006

Thanks for all the help! How much grooming does a Springer Spaniel need? I need to get a book on it

Anyone know if they can work in agility?

I got advised against an ESS today, and told to get a Border Collie, but I don't think it's right for me at the minute. I also prefer the Welsh SS' but there are like, no breeders in the UK. Can anyone help me on this?

bubbatd · Aug 20, 2006

Springers can be a handful .... don't go by size of dog. I'd nix the Irish Setter... lovely, but bone headed...guess my choice !!

.Alice. · Aug 20, 2006

I'm so confused...

What should I do? Irish Setters seems to have ALOT of hair, but then so does an ESS.

MK&C · Aug 20, 2006

What about an Australian Shepherd?

And Aussie should be about the same size as your current dog.

They are VERY intelligent.

They excel in both, since they are extremly intelligent but very agile also. If there isn't a Border Collie in the agility class, an Aussie could very well be the fastest dog there (of course, it all depends on the dog). The breed is very versatile.

Aussies aren't normally dog-aggressive, so they would probably get along fine (once again, it depends on the dogs).

Australian Shepherds are excellent children's companions, however it is aloof with all outsiders (including children). They bond very well with their family.

Aussies are high-energy dogs, so the more physical AND mental excercise the better. An hour walk, playing with another dog and having something to do (ie doing agility course, practicing obedience) daily is probably enough, but more walking is probably better.

They excel in training classes.

Labs and goldens also fit your criteria.

.Alice. · Aug 20, 2006

I seriously thought about an aussie shepherd, I think they are gorgeous, but I'm not sure there are many breeders near me at all. I'll certainly look into it!

MK&C · Aug 20, 2006

If you live in America there is a breeder referral here:

http://www.australianshepherds.org/directory.html

Some day when I get my Aussie, I know I'd be getting one from someone listed there.

.Alice. · Aug 20, 2006

England I'm afraid! There is one breed according to the Kennel Club, and they are about 1.5 to 2 hours away which isn't to bad. But surely an aussie shepherd is similar to a border collie, which I have been advised against? Sorry to be so hard to please, I jut want to make the right choise....

Georgygirl · Aug 20, 2006

If you go with a good breeder an ESS would be an excellent choice. Their coat can be difficult but it depends on how you keep it and also whether it is a field or bench springer. Field bred springers have less hair. Bench springers have the long beautiful show coat, but you can always have it trimmed. I had a springer growing up and we had her shaved during the summer just to keep her a bit cooler. If you really would like to learn more about springers you could join a springer group on yahoo and talk to the people there. You'll have to make a yahoo account. Good luck on your search!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ESS-L2/?yguid=215926375

CamzKees · Aug 20, 2006

I'm not sure what to tell you hon...

Keeshonden are extremely smart, very pretty, great in agility and obedience...but VERY stubborn. Plus, the hair is too much for most people.

I chose them for their temperement as they are renowned as great dogs for kids and families (plus, I love the wolfey look!)

Any kind of working dog you get will be very high energy. Same for herding dogs.

From what you're saying, I'd consider getting a golden retriever.

A friend of mine got a spaniel of some kind- not sure what kind he was. But he was very very hyper and had a dominating personality that their family was unequipped to handle, as they are busy people.

What about a smooth collie? Those are some great dogs, too!

.Alice. · Aug 20, 2006

Golden's are a good idea, although don't they shed ALOT? Shouldn't be a problem. I'll join the news group, thanks for that!

Gempress · Aug 20, 2006

Since you seem to be worried about shedding, how about a miniature or standard poodle? They're very smart, active and do great in agility and obedience. While they do require clipping, they don't shed.

MK&C · Aug 20, 2006

.Alice. said:

An Aussie from show lines are alot calmer than Borders, and there are a couple other differences in temperment between the two, I don't know to what extent they are true (I'm getting the info from dogbreedinfo). You can compare the two there

http://dogbreedinfo.com/australianshepherd.htm
http://dogbreedinfo.com/bordercollie.htm

I also agree with Gempress, standard poodles are marvelous dogs and fit your description well. My friend has one and he is a doll.

.Alice. · Aug 20, 2006

After reading that, the Australian SHepherd sounds perfect for what I want. I will definatly look into the standard poodle aswell. Thankyou SO much!

xx speed · Aug 20, 2006

bubbatd said:

I quite disagree. My grandparents have had numerous Irish Setters, and they are wonderfully intelligent, in my experience with them. They do need lots of exercise though, or they will be very hyper and difficult to work with. boneheaded would be the last word I would use to describe an Irish Setter. If it's a pet though, do not get a field bred dog, as they require even more exercise. I think Austrailian Shepherds are wonderful dogs, I'm acually considering getting one myself. I don't really like poodles much, but that's just my personal opinion. Golden Retrievers are great dogs, but they do shed a lot. However, if you get them clipped during the summer when it's hot and brush them out every day, you shouldn't have a problem.

Which Breed? Springer Spaniel?

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